Hard Times

This morning around 3 a.m. I lost someone very dear to me. My Nana, Lora Lee Dunkin, passed from this life to be with her heavenly Father. As I reflected upon the good times we shared I was constantly reminded of the way my Nana loved Jesus with every part of her life! My Nana and Papa had read the Bible for 15 years straight until the day that Alzehiemers got a hold of her. My Nana battled this disease for almost two years, and despite these tuff times still kept her faith in Jesus. My Nana got to a point where she could not speak well any more. My Papa told me of a time when a lady next to her in another room was about to die and how my Nana went next door and prayed for her.... not even missing one single word! My Nana was a lady of passion. She loved her children and she loved her grandchildren. She especially loved her husband. My Papa has portrayed to me in the most incredible way, the way we should love one another. My Papa went to see my Nana every single day in the nursing home going two to three times each day for hours upon hours at a time. My Papa would rub lotion on my Nana's feet and legs and arms and face to keep her skin moist and healthy. He would take her out for drives around the lake and take her to Chick-Fil-A. My Papa loved my Nana unconditionally. Despite these incredibly rough times my Papa never wavered in the love that he showed my Nana.
I am reminded as I grieve for my family of the ever powerful love of my Savior, Jesus Christ! A love so powerful that our minds can not comprehend. I am lifted in spirits to know that Jesus loves me despite what bad situation I might be in. No matter what mess I have made of myself , He still reaches out to me. I question myself at times though on whether I truly love others the way my Papa demonstrated in loving my Nana. My Papa challenged me to reach out to my wife and to love her with all that I have! To be there in good times and bad. To show compassion,love, and gentleness in all situations. My Nana leaves a legacy of one that can never be topped. A life that shows me that there is NOTHING more crucial in life than surrendering yourself to God and being His child. Let me leave you with this statement my Nana once said:
Life is hard at times...... But God IS ALWAYS good!

Love you Nana and can't wait to see you once again!